Choosing the Right Breeder

Characteristics of a Reputable Breeder

Is an Association Member in Good Standing

A Reputable Breeder is an associate or full member in good standing of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC) and/or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club USA (CKCSC). These are the only Cavalier registrations recognized in the United States. In order to become a club member, candidates must sign a code of ethics promising to practice sound breeding practices and conduct.

Has a Registered Affix

A Reputable Breeder will have a registered Affix. This means that all puppies will bear the kennel’s name on all papers of registration. A willingness on the kennel’s part to claim the puppies they have bred is a display of integrity and responsibility on the part of the breeder. At Kilbrides Pride, our puppies will be proudly registered with the KBPride Affix.

If you are interested in the Cavalier breed and, more importantly, our dogs, we encourage you to visit our home and to meet our dogs so that you can see the environment in which the dogs are raised. This will also allow for us to have conversations together regarding our breeding and health philosophies.

Provides Written Health Clearances

A Reputable Breeder will, upon request, provide you with written health clearances of both parents from veterinarians who are specialists their fields. Typical health clearances should include eye, hearts, hips and patellae as well as MRI screening for the devastating neurological disorder, syringomyelia. All puppies will also be current on all vaccinations and examined by a veterinarian prior to leaving our home.

Socializes Puppies

A Reputable Breeder spends time handling his/her puppies each day. Socializing puppies includes loving them and preparing them for their ‘forever homes’.

Welcomes Dogs as Family Members

A Reputable Breeder is committed to the dogs they breed and considers them extensions of their own family and will welcome back a dog that for whatever reason needs to be re-homed.

Charges an Appropriate Fee

A Reputable and Ethical Breeder will charge between $1800 and $3500 for a puppy. This money helps to cover the health clearances that are done on parent dogs annually. Reputable and Ethical Breeders will commonly require spay/neuter contracts on pet puppies.

Uses Appropriate Channels

A Reputable Breeder does not sell to pet stores or brokers, does not answer classified advertisements seeking puppies and does not respond to web advertisements for puppies.

Is Committed to Quality

KilbridesPride is committed to breeding quality, healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It is essential for us to follow the highest breeding standards in order to protect the health and well-being of our beloved Cavalier Breed.